Development of a device for the reintegration of people with incomplete quadriplegia

The product development process (PDP) presents interactive stages to be followed for the release of a product. The study adapts the classic PDP approach to a Project-Based Learning context guide the application for the development of an assistive device that allows people with incomplete quadriplegia to practice paralympic tennis with higher performance and comfort. The study was based on research performed within a nonprofit social assistance Association dealing with disabled people. The research identified that the main barrier faced by players of paralympic tennis is the difficulty to hold, maintain, and transmit power through the racket during the game. Based on this demand, the early stages of PDP were applied in a university PBL and the development of the new solution achieved Technological Readiness Level (TRL) of 2. The final deliverables were CAD model and a conceptual prototype.